Ecstatic schoolchildren in colourful uniforms waving mini national flags lined the streets en-route to the royal dais as the royal entourage made a grand entry into the field.

Also in attendance yesterday were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival at the stage, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee for the 69th birthday celebration; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer.Echoes of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ chants reverberated across the field area as the acting district officer stood before the monarch, pledging on behalf of the district’s residents to maintain and strengthen the values set under His Majesty’s wise leadership, particularly the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy.

The celebration also saw a special performance by a total of 569 Brunei-Muara District residents, comprising students from 28 different schools, local talents, national athletes, members of government and non-government associations – all collaborating to form a picturesque show – bearing the theme ‘Raja Gemilang Sanjungan Negara’ (A Sovereign Monarch Respected by the Nation).

After the performances, His Majesty made his way to the thousands of well-wishers eagerly waiting to interact with their beloved king.

The Brunei-Muara District event marked the conclusion of the royal birthday get-together celebration which started on August 18 in the districts of Tutong followed by Temburong and Belait.

His Majesty’s Junjung Ziarah is one of the most significant celebrations in the country’s calendar of events as it is a platform for the people to get up close to their much adored king.

DESPITE first making its appearance in the Sultanate during the 1940s, Kuih Mor continues to be a household favourite today as a tea time snack or festive treat particularly during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Siti Norhafizah Hj Bagol, a final year student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam who researched on Kuih Mor as part of her Brunei Traditional Industry module, said the three-ingredient sweet treat may have existed in Brunei as early as the 1940s when padi was known to have been grown to make different food items.

Over time, the cookie has also become a popular door-gift choice often handed out at Malay weddings or gatherings, said Siti Norhafizah.

Made with flour, oil and granulated sugar which have been ground into a powder, the bite-sized biscuits have a crumbly texture and are coated with powdered sugar.

The age-old technique of making Kuih Mor by hand has however changed over the course of time, with many now opt…

BY COMMAND of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office hereby announces that His Majesty has consented to the transfer and appointment of the following senior officers – Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Solicitor General has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Datin Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed, Special Senior Duties Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.